MECB 6809 Testing, Coding, Sound!

[bugeyedcreepy]

A full complement of cards complete with v2.3 CPU card ... and a spare CPU card that I use for sanity checks (which came in useful when I was testing the ROM card):



I still don't have anything on the prototype board but I would really like to make something like micro SD storage card (akin to the Corsham Tech SD card for the old SWTPC computer). Unfortunately the person who used to make these passed away and the only other version I've found online requires working with SMD - and that is a bit beyond what I can do at the moment. I think I've found some Arduino modules that can greatly simplify the design so I'm going to try that first - I should be able to use the I/O card (sans sound chip, as I'll need some of the control lines that it sits on). Ultimate goal would be to boot up FLEX - which would open up a lot more possibilities (assuming I can ever find the time to do so).

Nice!! Good Work! On your img failing, try adding .jpg onto the end of your image link url like I did here - I fall for it every time!! -_-

[epaell]

Ah, cool, that works - thanks!

[Editor]

A full complement of cards complete with v2.3 CPU card ... and a spare CPU card that I use for sanity checks (which came in useful when I was testing the ROM card)...

Awesome! Looks just like the one on my workbench.

Your photo also adds a reminder about the wrongly re-labelled CPU's. Noting again the 'P' suffixed 6309, that clearly was an 'E' and needed the external clock!

For image links, note that I added a post about image linking options here: Including Images in your Posts

I still don't have anything on the prototype board but I would really like to make something like micro SD storage card (akin to the Corsham Tech SD card for the old SWTPC computer). Unfortunately the person who used to make these passed away and the only other version I've found online requires working with SMD - and that is a bit beyond what I can do at the moment. I think I've found some Arduino modules that can greatly simplify the design so I'm going to try that first - I should be able to use the I/O card (sans sound chip, as I'll need some of the control lines that it sits on). Ultimate goal would be to boot up FLEX - which would open up a lot more possibilities (assuming I can ever find the time to do so).

Great minds think alike!
I am (gradually) working on a Compact Flash adapter. I'm just currently awaiting some more parts from AliExpress in order to further progress.
My intention is a retro friendly TH-only solution (no SMD).

I've also started reading up on porting Flex9, which I used many years ago (mid 80's), on a MicroBox II 6809 system. So, there is some definate nostalgia for me in Flex, as it was the first disk operating system that I experienced (initially on a home built 6800 system).

Hence, my interest in progressing a CF Adapter Card, as a Floppy Disk Drive alternative for supporting an OS.

But, I've lots on my plate, so don't let my "slow" efforts distract you from progressing your own plans! Someone is bound to have Flex9 up and running on an MECB system eventually. I also can't wait to boot up Flex again!

[epaell]

I'd have to admit that I really don't understand why the CPUs are mis-labelled like that - it serves no benefit to anyone and just completely confuses matters. It's just really bizarre. But thanks to your efforts, it's a trap I didn't fall in and so immediately treated it like an "E" CPU. Even though I have two 63C09 CPUs I run one at 12 MHz and my "sanity" card at a lower rate - I know that card just works and so if I run into trouble I plug it in just to make sure power and serial are all still connected correctly

I grew up on FLEX on a 6809 computer my brother built - so it will also be very nostalgic for me. Later I also had OS9 for a little while which I remember being more complex but much more powerful (and even allowed multitasking - which was a real eye-opener for me back then) - that would be great to have again also but I think it is still not made available openly. I'd really love to get to a point where the computer is effectively stand-alone and can be used to write software on the machine itself (save, compile, and run the software). Everything is ready for this - including a stand-alone terminal I cobbled together (using a LILYGO VGA device based on the ESP32) ... I just need to get the "disk" side of things happening. I got to the point of installing the software on an Arduino and plugging in a real-time clock module and a microSD-card module and it seems to recognise the disks I have on the card (although I had to order an alternate microSD interface that recognises the presence of an SD card as the one I have doesn't provide a signal for that). I still need to interface it to the MECB via the PIA and then write the drivers on the 6809 side to test it (though I found some software online that I can use as a start) and then work out how to modify FLEX to boot. My main hesitation is just the thought of having all those dangling cables between the Arduino and the PIA port with no safe place for me to experiment (particularly with two feral dogs running around the house). Particularly as I am also busy with work so have to work on this in little bursts of time - which makes the set-up/pack-up time a hassle and just increases the possibility of a dodgy connection somewhere.

[epaell]

My intention is a retro friendly TH-only solution (no SMD).

Absolutely, 100%! My eyes can just barely do through-hole (even with aids) and I struggle trying to read the IC labelling, so SMD really is not an option for me.